Reiki

Reiki Energy for Healing

What is Reiki?

Reiki energy healing, a laying of the hands technique for stress reduction and relaxation, is experiencing an increase in use as consumers increasingly seek out complementary medicine methods which support and address a more natural approach to their health issues and ailments. Reiki, as a holistic invisible, intangible subtle form of energy work, uses universal life force to promote harmony within all living things and heals the body, mind and spirit.

Reiki, pronounced ray-key, comes from two Japanese words. Rei means ‘Universal ‘or ‘The Wisdom coming from a higher knowledge’; and ki, means ‘universal life force energy’. Ki has the same meaning as ‘Chi’ or ‘Qi’; the Chinese term for energy as addressed in acupuncture or Qigong. Ki is also synonymous with Prana, the Sanskrit term for energy used in Yoga and Hinduism; as well as the reference to ‘Light’ found in Christian teachings. These different names are as numerous as the number of various cultures using Energy work to address imbalances of energy in all living things.

Reiki History

It is said that Reiki originated in Tibet approximately 2500 years ago; however, what is known is that it was ‘rediscovered’ in the mid nineteenth century by Dr. Mikao Usui. Dr. Usi was Japanese Christian monk who desired to recreate the healing miracles of both Buddha and Christ. His ten year search for answers involved the study of ancient Christian cultural texts, the teaching of Buddha’s methods of healing, and becoming a resident in a Zen Buddhist Monastery. During his time with the Buddhists, Dr. Usui was finally able to interpret the healing formulas written in Sanskrit but was unable to activate their energy to allow the process to work. To fully understand this forgotten healing art, he needed to complete a three week test consisting of isolation on a mountain where he would meditate, pray, and fast. On the 21st day, Dr. Usui visualized the Reiki symbols and attunements, and received guidance on how to activate the healing energy. He left the mountain knowing how to heal as Buddha and Jesus had healed.

Reiki continues to be passed from a Master Teacher to a student in levels, often referred to as ‘degrees’, attunements or initiations. The Usui Reiki system has three degrees where the 1st level is considered a complete course that prepares the practitioner to possess the ability to use Reiki for life. The 2nd level involves Mental and Distant Healing, while the 3rd degree is preparation to become a Reiki Master/Teacher.


The Many Forms of Reiki

The Traditional Usui Reiki is called Usui Reiki Ryoho, whereas many of the derivations of Reiki are often named for a philosophical way of life, a combination with another form of energy healing, a blending of Western Reiki with specific elements of other natural healing methods, or simply the name of an individual. There are at least fifty different kinds of healing being used today where the word ‘Reiki’ is a part of its name.

Examples of the more common variations include:

Reido Reiki

This method is a combination of various Japanese techniques and Western style Reiki where the emphasis is on meditation, having a regular Reiki practice and living life with sincerity. Unlike the Usui system, which has 3 levels of preparation, this approach has 7 levels.

Crystal Reiki

The combination of crystals with Reiki is based on the healing properties of specific crystals where the color of the crystal is matched to the color of the Chakra.

Angel Touch Reiki

The focus is on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through the combined use of Reiki and Angel Energy whereby the participant achieves a complete spiritual transformation.

Maori Reiki

This spiritually based method is named for the location where this Reiki healing originated – in the heart and soul of New Zealand. As a spiritual clan, the tribesmen developed many forms of hands-on spiritual healing. This method cleanses the body of spiritual and physical toxic wastes using the healing aspects of natural elements such as wood or stones.

Shamanic Reiki

Shamans or Medicine Men, usually associated with Native Americans, are also are part of South America’s health system as well as indigenous tribes throughout the world. This method incorporates Reiki’s healing power with the Shaman’s method of healing – be it Soul Retrieval, herbal remedies, or Astral flight/traveling thus achieving a more potent response from the recipient.

Dragon Reiki

Victor Glanckopf developed and founded this method where the attunements include the Dragon Breath and the use of the Blue Dragon symbol, which enables the use of the powerful healing Ray Symbol.

How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki balances energies and deletes blockages in the natural flow of Ki. The Reiki practitioner who has been attuned to channel the Universal Life Energy lays his/her hands on or near the body’s 7 major energy chakras which are located along the spinal column or midline of the body. This powerful positive Life Energy enters the body near a Chakra and goes wherever there is a need for re-vitalization. Once blockages are cleared, the natural flow of Ki is again open and healing of mind, body, and spirit begins.

How is Reiki Used?

Reiki can be used for a variety of situations where the body’s energy is in a state of imbalance whether it is spiritual, emotional, physical, mental, past, present or future. Since the energy used in Reiki comes from the Universe rather than from the practitioner, there is an abundance of energy that can be utilized to shorten the time for healing to occur. If you are in good health already, Reiki energy helps maintain your healthy state. If you experience a sense of imbalance in your body, mind or spirit, contact a local Reiki practitioner who may also be a Massage Therapist or a Bodyworker.